Services for Athletes

Legal Services for Athletes

When it comes to helping athletes with legal matters, including contract negotiations, transfers, endorsements and immigration, we are always on the ball. Our solicitors will help to maximise your potential - both as professional players and in the commercial marketplace - so you can concentrate on your performance on the pitch.

To speak to a solicitor about how we can help you with any legal matters that affect football players, get in touch by calling us on 0345 872 6666. Alternatively, fill in our online enquiry form and tell us a suitable time to get back to you.

Transfers and Contracts

Football contracts are special type of agreements often containing unusual provisions, such as how club promotion or relegation will impact on wages and bonuses. Before signing any contract, you should have a specialist solicitor take a look at it so you are fully aware of the agreement you are entering into. We can also provide representation in transfer negotiations and provide advice about protection of image rights, sponsorship deals and merchandising.

Personal Endorsements

As a professional footballer, you might be offered the opportunity to become a brand ambassador or clinch an endorsement deal. We know and have worked with many top brands and can help you to select the brands which suit you and your lifestyle while ensuring agreements are clear and fair.

Intellectual Property

We have substantial experience in all types of commercial contracts, including:

Boot deals

Sponsorship agreements

Licensing agreements

Our solicitors have advised several members of the English, Swiss and Argentinian football teams. We are also experienced at handling disputes relating to breach of confidence, trademarks, patents and copyright. We can ensure that you maximise your intellectual property rights and prevent others from exploiting such rights without your consent.

Image Rights

If you do not get paid when your image appears in an advert for the club, or there are restrictions placed upon you limiting the brands or products that you can endorse, we can help you exploit your name and image by ensuring you have the right protections in place. We can also create suitable structures so that you will save on tax and your club will save on National Insurance (NI) contributions.

Media and Entertainment

If you want to publish a book or have aspirations to appear on TV or radio as a presenter or pundit, we have the knowledge to help you draft and negotiate media contracts that suit and protect your interests.

Sports Injuries and Other Accidents

A serious injury may have a devastating impact on your football career regardless of it being caused while playing football or not. If the injury is due to the fault of another party, a claim for financial compensation can be made. Our team of skilled and experienced personal injury solicitors will give you comprehensive advice on your rights and can take you through the claims process efficiently. For more information on sports injuries, visit our dedicated page.

We can also introduce you to one of our strategic partners to arrange end of career insurance.

Tax and Wills

We have assisted a number of premiership/championship players and managers with personal tax issues and have particular expertise in advising sportspeople and other celebrities in relation to all aspects of strategic tax planning.

Immigration

The procedure for moving to the UK can be complex but the immigration solicitors at JMW can help ensure the process runs smoothly. We can help you in the following areas:

Same day/premium visa application processes on your behalf at the Home Office

Tier 2 sportspeople visas

Dependent visas (spouses and children)

Fiancé(e) visas

Spouse visas

Certificate of Approval (COA)

Visa extensions

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) agreements

Naturalisation, citizenship and applying for a British passport

British embassy and high commission applications

UK Home Office applications

Visitor and family visit visas

Home/club visits, including out of hours

English language training

Buying/Selling Property

Whether you are buying a home or an investment property, we will guide you seamlessly through the process. We can provide a tailored service designed to meet your conveyancing and property needs nationwide.

Foreign Property Tax

Many people do not realise that their foreign property purchase and sale is not governed by the laws and taxes of the country in which they buy but quite often has to be declared in the UK. If you are considering buying or selling a property abroad, you should ensure that you receive tax advice on the most efficient way of buying/selling before you enter into any contract.

Family Law and Disputes

We are able to provide advice and representation on a full range of family law issues, including:

Prenuptial agreements

Cohabitation disputes

Divorce

Child-related matters

Paternity issues

DNA testing

Wealth Management

Our private client team works closely with a number of independent financial advisers who provide specialist advice to sports personalities and entertainers. Our contacts have experience in understanding and delivering specific requirements in footballers.

Why Choose JMW?

Our aim is to allow you to focus on what happens on the pitch by helping you to keep control of your career. We have well-established relationships at the very highest level of the sport, including managers, club chairmen, heads of footballing governing bodies and top media moguls.